Are you sabotaging your chances of success with any of these bloopers!

I love getting the train to work - certainly not because of the joys of public transport! but because I get to observe London on the way to work. Here are my top DO NOT's from my journey in last week. With the UK economy so bad and people fighting to hang on to their jobs I just can't believe how many people are not doing everything they can to elevate themselves above peers at work.

• Chewing gum - freshen breath with a spray or a mint. Gum chewing makes you look chavvy and common.
• Nasty nails. I notices so many nasty claws grabbing rails on the tube. Chipped polish looks awful - keep it neat or don't wear it. Men need to take care of cuticles and keep nails short and clean too. Nail biting looks dreadful too.
• Wrong shoes. Saw loads of smart suits worn with worn out casual shoes. Ladies wearing flip flops with suits. Men wearing scruffy trainers. Make sure the shoes are appropriate for the outfit and clean and polished. Scuffed scraped heels look awful. Leather imitation shoes always look cheap and nasty too - plus your feet will sweat more.
• Cheap bags. Like imitation leather shoes, imitation leather bags look terrible too. Scruffy stitching and bags that just shout "Cheap" ruin a whole outfit. Choose your laptop bag wisely too - don't sling it in your sports rucksack get it a lovely chic padded pouch.
• Too much jewellery. If you count more than 8 pieces on you take some off.
• Poor grooming. Women wearing no make-up and hair pulled back with a scrunchie. Men with dandruff, badly in need of a haircut and a shave.
• Hems hanging down, buttons hanging off. Stains and smells - Yuk!

 Action required? Do a quick audit of your daily work look. Is it time to make a bit more effort? All too often we say "It'll do, it's just for work!" Surely you should take more pride in your work appearance than any other outfit. Impress your boss as he's the one who pays you!

 

What image bloopers do you frequently see? Let me know!

Cool Tips for Hot Weather
Already feeling hot and bothered by the unexpected heatwave? Just a few quick ideas to keep you looking cool in the hot spell.
Tips for Men
• NO short sleeve shirts with ties - just not stylish, don't do it
• Make smart fabric choices. Synthetic clothes will make you sweat more so choose natural fabics on very hot days
• Need inspiration for how to dress this summer - watch Jude Law in Talented Mr Riply for inspiration. Slim clothing lines, rolled up jeans, suede loafer style shoes with no socks for the weekend. How about a chic straw trilby style hat too.
• How about trying some white or stone coloured jeans for a change?.
Tips for Women
• Make make-up stay put. Use powder over your foundation to avoid a shiny face or try a mineral powder foundation - I love Elizabeth Arden
• Use waterproof mascara on your lower lashes to avoid panda eyes at midday - e.l.f. do a great dual ended mascara with regular and waterproof for just £1.50
• Open toes shoes - make sure your toes and feet are pretty and manicured. Trendy trotters are painted in pastel lilacs, blues and greens this summer.
• Start using gradual self tanners to give you a light base tan for exposing bare legs. I like Johnsons Holiday Sun
• Maxi dresses cover all and there are shapes and colours for all body types, try one...yes even if you are short - take a peek in Monsoon or H&M for more budget options
• Huge Flower corsages are back in - pin on your handbag or top to update it.
• Need inspiration for how to dress this summer: Sex and the CIty out next week - need I say more!

The RIGHT jeans in the workplace

I was teaching a course in a high profile city bank today and during my coffee break I noticed the lady standing in front of me at the coffee counter was wearing jeans.  Mmmmm I thought,  "NOT appropriate for this environment" and I assumed she was a visitor as no one else in the bank wears jeans..... but something else was not quite right and at first I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was that was wrong wrong wrong.

With her jeans she had on a great tailored striped shirt.  She was well groomed, good shoes, nice bag, all the ingredients I advocate for smart casual but something was not quite right. 

Then it struck me! 

She was wearing faded brown jeans.  They fitted well, they were the right length but it was the fact that they were brown that made them just look too "casual" for the elusive "smart casual" we all struggle to achieve.

So the stylist on the street's comment and observation for today is that SMART CASUAL jeans are DARK BLUE jeans.  Anything else will just look too scruffy when you try to incorporate it into your work wardrobe.

Be Fabulous!